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Domestic mango output up 47pc
KATHMANDU, JUN 27 -
The import of Indian mangoes in the capital has declined substantially this season thanks to a rise in domestic production. The figures of two major fruit markets in the valley, Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market (KFVM) and Balkhu Fruit Market (BFM), show an increase in local supply replacing Indian imports.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,
mango production increased by 47 percent this year.
“Production increased as the weather in the Tarai region was favourable this year with no hailstorms,” said spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture Hari Dahal.
More than 50 percent of the valley’s mango requirement used to be fulfilled by imported Indian mangoes till last year. Traders said imports had nosedived by more than 80 percent in the capital this year.
According to the Balkhu Fruit Entrepreneurs Association (BEFA), daily demand in the capital is around 220 tons which is almost being fulfilled by Nepali mangoes. “About 200 tons of mangoes are being brought in daily out of which Indian mangoes make up only 22 tons,” said Narayan Dhital, chairman of the BFEA. “It is a positive sign for the Nepali market.”
The Balkhu Fruit Market,
the major source of mangoes in the valley, is receiving most of the mangoes this season from Siraha, Saptari and Parsa, the major mango producing districts. This year, a total of 16,239 tons of mangoes have entered the capital through the KFVM and BFM till mid-June. Last year, the figure was 15,350 tons.
According to Dhital, India mangoes used to account for 50 percent of the supply till last year. According to the KFVM, only 197 tons of Indian mangos have entered the capital this season compared to 390 tons last year. “With the overflow of Nepali mangoes, the KFVM hasn’t seen imported Indian mangoes for the last 10 days,” said Tulsi Das Gautam, chairman of the KFVM.
“Daily mango sales in the capital have reached Rs. 6-7 million,” said Tulsi Das Gautam, chairman of the KFVMDB. “The Kathmandu Valley has seen the highest flow of mangoes in a decade this year.”
Posted on: 2010-06-28 09:47
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